Altitude Sickness Treatment in Cambridge, OH

What Is High Altitude Sickness?

High altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a common ailment that occurs due to a lack of oxygen at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet or 2,400 meters. While the effects of AMS are similar to a hangover and typically do not require medical treatment, AMS is a warning sign that you are at a heightened risk of experiencing more serious forms of altitude sickness.

AMS is the first of three types of altitude sickness. The two more severe high altitude sicknesses are:

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE): HAPE is caused by excess fluid in the lungs that leads to breathlessness, even while in a state of rest. Symptoms of HAPE include a fever and coughing up frothy saliva.

High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE): HACE is characterized by fluid in the brain, and its symptoms include confusion, stumbling, laziness, emotional swings, and loss of conscious.

Both HAPE and HACE can lead to either severe health consequences or death in a matter of hours if left untreated. This is why it is important to recognize and address the symptoms of AMS when they occur. To schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional in Cambridge who specializes in high altitude sickness treatment, call (740) 439-3515 or contact Dr. Stephen Durant online.

What Causes Altitude Sickness?

AMS most commonly occurs as a result of traveling to high altitudes at a rapid pace, specifically 500mm per day, while doing activities such as climbing, hiking, or driving. In these situations, your body is unable to acclimate to higher altitudes, specifically the decrease in oxygen levels. The higher the altitude you reach and the pace you travel at can contribute to the likelihood of developing symptoms of altitude sickness. Additionally, vigorous exercise, a lack of fluids and hypothermia makes AMS more likely to occur.

Although AMS can affect anyone, there are certain risk factors that can make AMS more likely for some individuals than others. These factors include:

High Altitude Sickness Symptoms

Symptoms of AMS usually appear within 24 to 48 hours of elevation change. Some people have compared the symptoms of AMS to a bad hangover.

Some of the immediate and mild altitude sickness symptoms include:

Fatigue or weakness

Dizziness

Headache

Nausea or vomiting

Rapid heart rate

Shortness of breath after exertion

Insomnia

Lack of appetite

Irritability

Swelling of the hands, feet, and face

Symptoms indicating the onset of HAPE and HACE include:

Shortness of breath without exertion

Wet coughing

Tightness in the chest

Confusion

Social withdrawal

Blue, gray, or pale skin discoloration

Coma

Diagnosing Altitude Sickness

Although the symptoms of AMS are a good indicator of the disease itself, there are several ways that medical professionals can test for the more serious HAPE or HACE. These tests include:

Listening to the chest with a stethoscope

A chest X-ray

Blood test

Brain MRI or CT scan

An electrocardiogram (ECG)

How to Treat Altitude Sickness

If your altitude sickness symptoms are mild, your body may adapt to the altitude change on its own. However, there are several different ways to treat AMS in order to avoid contracting HAPE or HACE. Once treated, symptoms can take several hours or days to disappear.

If you are experiencing signs of altitude sickness:

Descend immediately

Do not ascend higher for at least 24-48 hours

If descending is not possible, rest and drink water

Use pressure bags or oxygen

Avoid exercise

If symptoms persist despite attempts to treat AMS on your own, there are several medications available that can help to reduce your symptoms, such as acetazolamide. Ingesting acetazolamide before acceding can help prevent AMS, and the drug can also correct breathing problems if AMS does occur.

Other altitude sickness medications include:

Dexamethasone to reduce brain swelling

Ibuprofen to relieve pain from headaches

Nifedipine to treat high blood pressure

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness

The best treatment for high altitude sickness is prevention. If your future travel plans involve activities which take you to higher elevations, it is important to plan ahead to avoid these uncomfortable symptoms. In order to avoid AMS altogether, there are various preventative measures you can try, including:

There is no reason to let high altitude sickness affect your vacation. To schedule a consultation with a qualified travel health specialist in Cambridge call (740) 439-3515 or contact Dr. Stephen Durant online.